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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

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Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is an opening in your wrist that is formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament across the top of the wrist. The median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and 3 middle fingers. If it gets compressed or irritated, you may have symptoms.

Facts about carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgeries done in the U.S. Women get carpal tunnel syndrome 3 times more often than men. It usually occurs only in adults.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome have no specific cause, although any or all of the following may be a contributing factor:

Frequent, repetitive, small movements with the hands (such as with typing or using a keyboard)

Frequent, repetitive, grasping movements with the hands (such as with sports and certain physical activities)

Other conditions or injuries of the wrist (for example, strain, sprain, dislocation, break, or swelling and inflammation)

Family history of carpal tunnel syndrome

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

These are the most common symptoms:

Weakness when gripping objects with one or both hands

Pain or numbness in one or both hands

"Pins and needles" feeling in the fingers

Swollen feeling in the fingers

Burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers

Pain or numbness that is worse at night, interrupting sleep

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may be similar to other medical conditions or problems. Always see your health care provider for a diagnosis.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Your provider will check your medical history and give you a physical exam. He or she may recommend that you have electrodiagnostic tests on your nerves. These tests are the best way to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Electrodiagnostic tests stimulate the muscles and nerves in your hand to see how well they work.

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Your health care provider will figure out the best treatment for you based on:

Your age

Your overall health and medical history

How bad your wrist is right now

How well you tolerate specific medications, procedures, or therapies

How bad the disease is expected to get

Your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

Splinting your hand. This helps keep your wrist from moving. It also eases the compression of the nerves inside the tunnel.

Anti-inflammatory medication. These may be oral or injected into the carpal tunnel space. These reduce the swelling.

Surgery. This eases compression on the nerves in the carpal tunnel.

Worksite changes. Changing position of your computer keyboard or making other ergonomic changes can help ease symptoms.

Exercise. Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in people whose symptoms have gotten better. These exercises may be supervised by a physical or occupational therapist.

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Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is usually done as an outpatient. Two types of carpal tunnel surgery are done: open surgery and endoscopic surgery. You may have local or general anesthesia, or both, for either surgery.

During open surgery, the surgeon cuts open your wrist. The tissue that is pressing on the nerves is cut. This relieves the pressure on the nerve.

During endoscopic surgery, the surgeon puts a long, thin rod through a tiny cut on the wrist. The rod, or scope, contains a camera and a light. The scope lets the surgeon to see inside your wrist. He or she cuts the tissue using tiny surgical tools.

After the surgery, your hand and wrist are wrapped and put into a splint. This will help to keep you from moving your wrist during your recovery. You will need to wear the splint for a week or two. You will probably have some pain after your surgery. It's usually controlled with pain medication taken by mouth. You may also be told to sleep with your hand elevated to help ease swelling.

Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery is different for each person. If your nerve has been compressed for a long time, recovery may take longer. You will be encouraged to move your fingers and wrist a few days after surgery to help prevent stiffness.

You may need to adjust your work or home activities while you recover. Talk with your health care provider about what you need to change.